Campus News

The Houston School of Irish Music, in collaboration with the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas, is bringing traditional Irish folksongs, ballads and harp tunes to the youth of Houston. The school offers lessons to students interested in learning to play traditional Irish music and instruments in a wholesome environment. Students will learn the joys of group playing and will form the Houston Irish Youth Band that will give several recitals and performances a year.

Lori Gallagher, J.D., director of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies, said she is excited for HSOIM to begin offering lessons.

“The Flynn Center for Irish Studies is delighted that the Houston School of Irish Music has selected UST to launch its inaugural traditional Irish music lessons for youth,” Gallagher said. “Music lies at the heart of Irish heritage and culture and brings more people to our cultural programs than any other type of event. Many of the HSOIM music instructors are with local musical groups who have performed for us on campus and for our Flynn Center Annual Irish Gala, including The Jig is Up! and Wyndnwyre.”

HSOIM was created to promote the growth of Irish music and tradition in Houston. Dr. Larry Mallette, the school’s managing director, based the school on the North Texas School of Irish Music in Dallas, started by the Traditional Irish Music Education Society. The school in North Texas has seen significant growth since its start in 2010, and Mallette hopes the Houston chapter will follow suit.

“We want to get kids involved learning the music, its history and enjoying it,” Mallette said. “Once they get to a certain level, they will stick with it.”

The school officially opens at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Strake Hall, room 107. The initial meeting will serve as an open house with a musical demonstration. From then on the school will meet for instruction every two weeks. People interested in learning Irish music can register online.